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Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem #2404899
11/17/17 11:43 AM
11/17/17 11:43 AM
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Dallas, Texas
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FC7cuda Offline OP
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I bought and had the new Legendary gator top installed on my car afew years ago by a professional upholstery guy. Within 6 months it started to loose adhesion to the roof is small spots that eventually grew into larger areas. Most seem to be around the perimeter and not directly in the center area of the roof. The upholstery guy is standing behind his work and his initial thought was "bad glue". Now that the replacement top is ready to be installed, we don't want this to reoccur.

Here's a pic of the roof before install, and of the vinyl top letting loose. You can basically peel it back by hand. What prep should be done to the roof before install and has anyone experienced this issue? Any recommendations on glue?

Thanks
Tom





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Last edited by FC7cuda; 11/17/17 11:43 AM.


68 Charger
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Re: Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem [Re: FC7cuda] #2405136
11/17/17 07:34 PM
11/17/17 07:34 PM
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Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
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If you don't have the skill/experience to do the install yourself, to control the quality of the work, and are relying on a "professional", get a "new" upholstery guy...seriously

Re: Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem [Re: FC7cuda] #2405285
11/18/17 01:55 AM
11/18/17 01:55 AM
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Harrisburg, Pa.
screamindriver Offline
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You'll never know what caused it from being a "glue issue"... The only way would be if the substrate{paint}failed,wasn't adhered to the car and left loose leaving it stuck to the vinyl top but that's not the case here from what you've stated..
Other than that it could be old glue,too long between glue application and assembly, not enough glue,temperature issues etc.. I've run into a situation like this before and it was the bottom of a 5 gallon pail the upholstery shop was using.. twocents

Re: Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem [Re: FC7cuda] #2405856
11/19/17 10:57 AM
11/19/17 10:57 AM
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Ashland City, Tennessee
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Aar1064 Offline
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Ashland City, Tennessee
I installed my vinyl top twice. The first top had a bad seam which wasn't realized until it was installed. I used 3m super adhesive bought at local parts stores at $25 per can and it took three cans. After realizing that top needed to be replaced, I pulled the whole top off in a matter of minutes because of poor adhesion of the 3m product.

Knowing what I learned I decided to dig deeper to find a better adhesive and ended up using Weldwood brand and sprayed with an old gun. Cost was $35 for a gallon. This adhesive is super strong and top is here to stay. There aren't any second chances so you need to have a game plan down when installing.


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Last edited by Aar1064; 11/19/17 10:58 AM.
Re: Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem [Re: Aar1064] #2405936
11/19/17 02:59 PM
11/19/17 02:59 PM
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DAYCLONA Offline
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Originally Posted By Aar1064
I installed my vinyl top twice. The first top had a bad seam which wasn't realized until it was installed. I used 3m super adhesive bought at local parts stores at $25 per can and it took three cans. After realizing that top needed to be replaced, I pulled the whole top off in a matter of minutes because of poor adhesion of the 3m product.

Knowing what I learned I decided to dig deeper to find a better adhesive and ended up using Weldwood brand and sprayed with an old gun. Cost was $35 for a gallon. This adhesive is super strong and top is here to stay. There aren't any second chances so you need to have a game plan down when installing.





I don't think the brand of glue used is the issue for most installs, as long as it's a quality adhesive, it's technique and application that often lead to failures, I've been installing vinyl tops for over 3 decades using assorted glues over the years including Weldwood/DAP's products, and the 3M Super spray adhesive you mentioned(which I prefer)I've never had an issue with either product, but have seen failures with both, and other mfg's products when installed by others using techniques or application other than the methods I learned in the trade, hence my earlier recommendation the OP find another installer, the Gator grain top is not your garden variety vinyl top that can easily be replace (cost wise) if the installer FUBAR's the install...

FYI I have 3 cars in my collection that have vinyl tops that I installed using 3M Super spray adhesive, the oldest install over 2 decades ago, zero issues with both, I still use 3M Super spray adhesive to this day for vinyl top and upholstery installs, IMHO the same product/quality it was 30 yrs ago

Mike

Re: Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem [Re: FC7cuda] #2406668
11/21/17 06:16 AM
11/21/17 06:16 AM
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Interesting: The 2nd pic of wrinkles above qtr glass. I had that happen on a 73, but not as severe. Apparently I had 'over-stretched' (i.e. pulled) the material too much when laying it down towards the quarter to avoid creases. Guess glue holds fine perpendicular to the surface, but not so much sideways.

Re: Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem [Re: PhillyRag] #2406717
11/21/17 11:17 AM
11/21/17 11:17 AM
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Dallas, Texas
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FC7cuda Offline OP
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Originally Posted By PhillyRag
Interesting: The 2nd pic of wrinkles above qtr glass. I had that happen on a 73, but not as severe. Apparently I had 'over-stretched' (i.e. pulled) the material too much when laying it down towards the quarter to avoid creases. Guess glue holds fine perpendicular to the surface, but not so much sideways.


Yes, it does seem the problem areas are around the perimeter where stretching may take place. Good point>



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Re: Gator Grain Top Adhesion problem [Re: FC7cuda] #2408155
11/24/17 07:57 AM
11/24/17 07:57 AM
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Phila
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Next top I did, I used both hands somewhat apart and Gently pressed (not pulling from bottom edge) it down over that roof edge. Then further downward (1/2 way) where it's curved less towards glass. Once you're 1/2 way down, the rest show 'fall' into place. I say gently pressed, because if it does seems to be going well, you can easier pull it back up. If you press hard to start that top curve & lower buckles, it tough to peel it away. Doing this in a warmer temp. helps. Hotter the better. That vinyl tend to have a 'memory' when pulled hard & 'retracts' afterwards. Hope this makes some sense. Real pain when it's the $$$ style







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